In 1963, American Motors impressed the powers-that-be at Motor Trend so much that they named the all-new Rambler Classics and Ambassadors “Car of the Year.” The overall execution improved significantly over the 1962 models, including the use of curved side glass. The 1964 editions changed little, with the most noticeable change being the front grille, which was no longer inverted. The seller has a freshly repainted 1964 Classic 770 which might be nice enough to collect a few awards. Located in Mount Prospect, Illinois, this low-production coupe (669 units) is available here on craigslist for $14,900. Rocco B. brings us yet another cool tip!
Though the 1963 Classics and Ambassadors were a hit by AMC standards, sales proved to be unsustainable in 1964. The two cars rode on the same wheelbase and weren’t that much larger in size than some compacts. That put the Ambassador at a disadvantage in competing in the luxury market, and the Classic in the mid-size segment that exploded in 1964 when General Motors came on board. So, new sheet metal in 1965 made the car look bigger, and the Ambassador got a longer wheelbase.
The seller says this 1964 Classic 770 (top trim level) is one of fewer than 700 cars produced as a 2-door sedan. Add to that, it has a 287 cubic-inch V8 instead of the more common 196 inline-6. That motor is original (30,700 miles?), paired with an automatic transmission that is floor-shifted with bucket seats. After 62 years, you’d be hard-pressed to find another Classic as sharp as this one.
We’re told the Lancelot Turquoise Metallic paint has been newly reapplied, so the car looks great. The Rambler sports aftermarket wheels, though I’d prefer the standard steel wheels and full covers. The interior presents well, too, though part of the dash pad doesn’t match in color and may have been lifted from another 770. At a minimum, this Rambler is a nice driver and may be fine enough to contend for a few trophies.
This nice Rambler didn’t stray too far from home, maybe 60 miles from Kenosha, WI. My grandfather had a white ’64 440 sedan with the eye popping red interior, so I have a fondness for this year. Great memories.
Mount Prospect, you say? I know a couple of brothers who took advantage of that local municipality’s auto auction and scored big time…
Was kinda curious about the floor shift transmission-found that it was the 1st year that Rambler used the “Shift-Command“ , a 3 speed that was unique for the time because it wasn’t mounyptec on the steering column and it could be shifted manually as well. It was also known as the “Borg-Warner Flash-O-Matic”and used in Studebakers, Cornbinders-and Jaguars?
Thanks Russ and Rocco B for the great article on an early year, nice looking AMC. Wouldn’t change a thing on the car, just enjoy.
Weeeeeeell.being from the Beer City, practically blasphemy to rip on Rambler, but I still say Motor Trend owed Ol’ Roy( Abernathy) a favor. To think what wonderful cars could have been chosen, but a RAMBLER??? We were mighty proud of that award, but it did little for sales. Rambler, like Studebaker, just couldn’t shake its “regional” attraction, and for the most part, remained a Midwest offering. I’d wager a bet, the person that ordered this car, either worked on the line or knew someone that did. More than once, did a car come off the line with a bit more than intended. I heard stories, that assemblers knew a certain car was for a family member or friend( or their own) was coming down the line, and got “special” treatment.
Car of the Year or not, it was a beautiful design.
AMC was “firing on all cylinders “ then.
And, with HD sway bars it handled pretty well, indeed. My widowed mom bought a new one after a torsion bar on her ’58 New Yorker popped while she was quietly reading the Sunday paper at home… thought a shot had been fired!
Anyhow, the 660: black/red interior. She had the dealer (Lakeview Motors, Woodcliff Lake, NJ) paint the roof an off-white. Sharp! I drove it a few times on trips with Wifie and Mom and it drove very nicely ‘cept for the excessive roll in cornering. Oh… and the low shift points (for economy) could be thwarted with judicious use of “Lo” to hold a lower gear, like 2nd up to highway speed. Yippee!
Really nice clean Rambler. I just bought a 65 Rambler, convertible, with a AMC 327 in it, which is rare. Needs quite a bit a work before it looks like this beauty. Nice find, and write up.